Position title: Staff Research Associate for UCLA Autism studies

Category: Research Assistants/Technicians

Name of Lab: Sensory, Cognitive and Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) Lab

Name of Supervisor: Dr. Shulamite Green

Closing date: July 1st, 2024

Description:

The Sensory, Cognitive, and Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) lab at UCLA is seeking a study coordinator (Staff Research Associate; SRA) to work on multiple studies of infants, children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PI: Dr. Shulamite Green). The SRA in this position will work across multiple MRI studies but will primarily be taking the lead on a new study of sensory processing across the autism spectrum which will include children who may have limited verbal skills or intellectual disability. Therefore, experience working with children with developmental disabilities, particularly those who are more severely affected, is highly preferred. We are seeking independent, highly motivated candidates to coordinate participant screening, recruitment, data collection (including acquisition of MRI data as well as behavioral and psychophysiological data), and data management. The SRA will also assist with preparing IRB correspondence, grants and publications, as well as training and supervising undergraduate research assistants. Prior background in psychology/neuroscience is required; experience with neuroimaging methods, particularly fMRI, and physiological methods such as heart rate and skin conductance acquisition and analysis is preferred but not necessary. A minimum 2-year commitment is required and candidates who can start by or before June 2024 will receive priority consideration.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, CV, transcripts (unofficial is ok), and name and contact information of three references to Dr. Shulamite Green (shulamite@ucla.edu).

Required:

  • B.A./B.S. in Psychology /Neuroscience or related fields (e.g., Psychobiology)
  • Demonstrated capacity to work independently with minimal supervision as well as ability to work collaboratively in a team
  • Ability to assess situations and problem-solve using own judgment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with other researchers, staff, students, and PIs, as well as with research participants and their parents
  • Experience interacting with infants, children and/or adolescents
  • Experience with computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred:

  • Experience working with children with developmental disabilities
  • Experience coordinating research studies with vulnerable/clinical populations
  • Experience collecting and/or analyzing behavioral, psychophysiological, MRI, or genetic data
  • Ability to multi-task and work in parallel on multiple projects
  • Knowledge of graphics programs (e.g., PhotoShop) and statistical software (e.g., SysStat, SPSS)
  • Knowledge of UNIX operating system and MRI analysis software (e.g., FSL, AFNI)
  • Experience with R, Matlab, or other programming systems

 

Applicants of any race, ethnicity, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status are encouraged to apply. In particular, as part of UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART), we are deeply committed to reducing racial disparities and other inequities in autism diagnosis, treatment, and participation in research, and acknowledge our responsibility to create a system of equity, increased diversity, and inclusion within our labs and research programs. CART’s full commitment to anti-racism statement can be found here: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/autism/news/carts-commitment-anti-racism